Depending on your profession, you may spend an extended period of your day on a roof. Even if you enjoy your line of work, it doesn’t mean you can’t be part of an accident at some point in the future.
Knowing how to prevent a fall from height is critical, as this can cause serious injury or even death. Here are five things you should always do:
- Connect and wear a safety harness at all times
- Inspect your safety harness once a day for proper fit
- Use lifelines and guardrails for additional protection against falls
- Never use faulty or damaged equipment
- Make note of and cover all openings, holes and skylights
All of these things fit into the category of planning ahead. When you know what the job entails, it’s much easier to avoid trouble.
If you have any questions about your safety, discuss them with your employer. They should be able to answer your questions, provide training and ensure that you’re using the appropriate safety equipment at all times.
If you fall from height at work, immediate medical attention is a must. Ask someone to call 911, as this ensures that an ambulance arrives at the scene as soon as possible.
Once you receive treatment and understand your long term prognosis, report the incident to your employer. Share as many details as necessary to help them understand what went wrong.
If you’re unable to return to work right away, which is often the case after a fall from height, file a workers’ compensation claim with the hopes of receiving benefits while you recover.